A resilient and biodiverse 'wild Australia' is fundamental to our health and well being as humansliving on this remarkable southern continent. "Nature is the lifeblood of our society, if we simply destroy it when it gets in our way, we will pay the price" Sir David Attenborough

The long term sustainability of our society is arguably linked to three critical supporting principles, sometimes called ‘the triple bottom line’; economic security, social harmony and a healthy ecology.This website explores ways to keep our natural ecology healthy and thriving for future generations.

Most of us do what we can and try to reduce our ecological footprint by making lifestyle choices that are softer on our planet. But it's not easy, as each of our daily choices like our morning coffee, the clothes we buy, the food we eat and the houses we build make demands on the natural environment.

And it seems that our thirst for new technology is widening the divide between how we live and our connection with the natural world that underpins and resources our lifestyles.

But there's another way to support nature and all that she provides;

What value do you put on the enjoyment and the emotional healing gained from an encounter with nature?

Recreating the Country (RtC) will help you connect with nature through stories about our indigenous plants and animals.RtC will keep you informed about environmental issues, local and Australia wide, through a monthly blog>.

RtC will also challenge you to explore a new way of designing landscapes that mimics nature and brings biodiversity back to our gardens and back paddocks. These rural and urban copies of natural environments are called 'Sustainable Biorich Landscapes'.

Sustainable Biorich Landscapes are biodiverse, resilient and sustainable - click here to read more>.They can also generate income without decreasing biodiversity. Read more about adding profit to biodiversity in designing for profit>

I hope to entertain, inform and challenge you to take a longer look at the sensational plants and animals that are part of our wonderful heritage. Congratulations on taking this first step to reconnecting with nature.Your next step is just a scroll or a click away.

A new sustainable biorich planting on the Warrambine Ck valley near Shelford, Victoria. There are over 20 species of shrub, understorey and canopy trees in the white tree guards.
Photo taken in July 2014 by Chris Callahan, 'Tree Management Services'.

The same location showing the emerging woodland. The grass will start thinning because of competition from trees and shrubs in the next few years. Photo taken on May 10th 2017

Discover more about this web site and it's 5 pathways;

1.be challenged >Design landscapes that are rich in wildlife, are sustainable and productive ;

You will be challenged to turn back the clock on wildlife extinctions and discover how to design landscapes and gardens that will bring back an abundance of wildlife, with the option of generating income for your farm. If you're planting an urban backyard or nature-strip many of the same principles can be applied to attract insects and birdlife.

....read more about two new articles on design (the value of plantation dimensions and layering) andjust added, articles on the importance of making vegetation links and connections .......read more

Tree planting on a steep escarpment near the Barwon River, Winchelsea, Victoria. The 'Pottiputki' , made in Finland, makes planting quick and prevents back soreness. The 'hip carrier' adds efficiency to mass planting

Sweet Bursaria is a beautiful small tree that flowers at Christmas.
It also offers biological pest control. Click on image to read the amazing Sweet Bursaria story

A healthy ecology of tussock grass, bottlebrush, teatree and River Red Gum on the Barwon River near Inverleigh.

A male Drooping Sheoak with yellow tassels. Click on the image to read about these remarkable 'trees without leaves'.

Read about other more diverse topics - inspiring projects,the environment and ecology in Nurseryman's Diary>

..read more in three new articles; 1. Eucalypts and parrots - a truly remarkable relationship.2. A very tough and long lived indigenous shrub called Moonah.3. Very new is Small riparian myrtles >the 'wet feet' specialists is all about our local Bottlebrush & Teatrees

Wildflowers are now a feature of Neds Corner. It was a degraded sheep station just 15 years ago.

The spectacular rugged escarpment of the Leigh Gorge where the 'Seeds' - the chronicle, takes place

4. Be inspired - 'Seeds' the monthly chronicle > 'Two men separated by a generation but linked by blood and the spirit of the land, seek to find meaning in the healing of two degraded landscapes. Finding out the truth about a disturbing ancient past leads Tristan Grey on a remarkable journey that only he can take'New 'Seeds'. Part 1 is now up to:Chapter 6 - Visions in the woodland>(Posted 19/2/18)'Tristan is deeply shaken and exhausted by his experience at The Gorge. He finds support and insights after a long talk in the dark'

Choose your personal Australian totems. An animal, a plant and an 'ugly' from your 'backyard'

My backgroundFor the past thirty years as a Landcare nurseryman I have helped many landholders with designing plantations and choosing plant species for revegetation projects. As a founding member of three 'Friends groups' I gained valuable experience working as a volunteer in local flora and fauna reserves for over 25 years. Also as a committed member of Australian Landcare since 1989 I have been guest speaker and author of many newsletter articles on native plants and ecology. This combination of volunteering in reserves and consulting on farms has given my university training in Geology and Natural Resource Management a practical edge and important insights. ....read more